So it is to my knowledge that Cal State Apply doesn't require essays or recommendation letters, but I was wondering if CSU's had supplementary questions, especially for the more selective CSUs like SDSU. Also, As I'm filling out the online application, I notice there's not an area for putting in extra curriculars. Does the application call it a different name or does it not have a section to input that information at all? Thank you!
No supplemental questions. All the Cal states except Cal Poly SLO will use ask for your grades from the a-g course requirements 9-11th grades, the type of courses (Regular/Honors/AP/IB), your CSU GPA and test scores. SDSU admits by Eligibility index and major. SLO will also ask for EC hours and any major related job hours. You do not list your EC’s.
Eligibility index: (CSU GPA x800) + (SAT Math + CR) or (CSU GPA x200) + (ACT composite x10)
You are ranked based on major and EI.
If you are in the local service area for a Cal state, you are given priority which could mean a lower EI to get an acceptance.
What is important to the Cal states is your completion of the a-g course requirements, HS course rigor, ACT or SAT scores, and if you are local and/or in- state.
Don’t forget your high school level classes taken in 8th grade, if applicable. Our school district offered high school level Spanish, math, and science classes that did count for college applications.It was pretty clear which classes applied because they were included on the high school transcript. Even so, many students did not include them and it cost them at the more competitive CSU’s and UC’s.
wait so no CSU asks for EC/awards/comunnity service?
only SLO? or how bout others like Pomona,etc…?
so do they only judge by ur GPA and tests?
SREE33, that’s the way it was last year. My son applied to CP SLO, CSUMB, Sac State, and Sonoma State. Only CP SLO asked about anything other than courses, GPA, and SAT/ACT scores.
It’s kind of the mission of the CSU’s to be a bit “blind” to all the things students do to maximize their resume’. The only advantage most students get beyond doing well in those listed above is local attendance area preference.
There are a couple other factors, you have to complete the a-g courses, the competitive CSUs give some preference to local applicants. How that is done varies widely by campus. Most also give some credit to veterans and some for first gen applicants.
Thanks, @NCalRents. That’s a much more complete answer. The A-G courses are an important distinction. Many high school courses have no impact on the college application, regardless of the title. My son’s Film as Literature class wasn’t a factor because it’s not A-G at his school. However, his cousin in a different district received A-G credit even though her class wasn’t much different.